Piercing Process

Choosing the right material for your piercing jewelry is crucial for both your comfort and the health of your piercing. In this blog, we will discuss the most commonly used materials, their properties, and help you determine which material is best for you. Why is the material of your piercing jewelry important? The material of your jewelry not only affects its appearance, but also the healing process and the risk of allergic reactions. High-quality, biocompatible materials reduce the risk of irritation and promote healthy healing. Common materials for piercing jewelry Titanium Titanium is a popular material in the piercing world because of its light weight, strength, and biocompatibility. It is hypoallergenic and contains no nickel, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or nickel allergies. Additionally, titanium can be anodized, a process that gives the material different colors without the use of paint or coatings. See also our blog on anodizing. Surgical steel (316L) Surgical steel, specifically type 316L, is often used for piercing jewelry. While it is durable and affordable, it does contain a small amount of nickel. For people with nickel allergies, this can be problematic, as the nickel can be released slowly and cause irritation. Gold Gold jewelry exudes luxury and is suitable for piercings, provided it is of high quality. For new piercings, it is recommended to use 14 or 18 carat solid gold. Gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry is less suitable, because the thin gold layer can wear off, exposing the underlying metal and causing irritation. Niobium Niobium is similar to titanium and is known for its hypoallergenic properties. It is slightly heavier, but can also be anodized in different colors. Niobium is an excellent alternative for people with metal sensitivities. PVD coating PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a process of applying a thin, hard layer to another metal, often to create a gold or black finish. While PVD coatings are durable, if damaged they can expose the underlying metal, which can be problematic for people with metal allergies. Materials to Avoid in New Piercings Some materials are less suitable for new or healing piercings: Silver : May oxidize and discolor, which can cause irritation and delayed healing. Brass and copper : May cause allergic reactions and discolour quickly. Natural materials : Such as wood or horn, are porous and difficult to keep sterile, making them better suited for healed piercings. How do you choose the right material for you? When selecting the right material for your piercing jewelry, consider the following: Skin Sensitivity : If you have a history of metal allergies, opt for hypoallergenic materials like titanium or niobium. Healing time : For new piercings, materials such as titanium and high-quality gold are ideal because of their biocompatibility. Aesthetics : Consider which material and finish best suit your personal style and desired look. Choosing the right material is essential for a healthy and beautiful piercing. Always consult a professional piercer for tailored advice and invest in high-quality jewelry to avoid complications and enjoy your piercing to the fullest.

How do you properly care for a new piercing? A new piercing is an exciting way to express yourself, but it is also important to take good care of your piercing so that it heals properly. In this blog we discuss how to optimally care for your new piercing. 1. Understand healing time Every piercing has a different healing time. Here are some common examples: Ear piercings (such as a helix or tragus): 3 to 6 months Nose piercing: 4 to 6 months Navel piercing: 6 months to 1 year Nipple piercing: 6 months to 1 year It is important to be patient and allow the full healing time to pass before changing jewelry or discontinuing care. 2. Keep it clean A clean piercing is essential to prevent infections. Follow these tips: Wash your hands: Only touch your piercing with clean hands. Clean twice daily: Use a saline solution or a specific cleaner recommended by your piercer. Soak a sterile cotton swab in the solution and gently dab around the piercing. Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide: These can irritate the skin and slow the healing process. 3. Avoid irritants During the healing process, it is important to keep the area around your piercing as calm as possible: Do not touch or twist: Although it may be tempting, too much touching can cause irritation. Avoid swimming: Avoid swimming pools, ocean and hot tubs to minimize contact with bacteria. Be careful with make-up and care products: Make sure that products such as foundation, perfume and hairspray do not come into contact with your piercing. 4. Watch for signs of problems Keep an eye on your piercing and be alert for signs of problems such as: Redness, swelling or warmth: This may indicate an infection. Pus or discharge: A small amount of white discharge is normal, but yellow or green pus can be a problem. Persistent pain: If the pain gets worse instead of better, consult your piercer or doctor. 5. Be patient Healing takes time. Even if your piercing looks healed on the outside, it may still be fragile on the inside. Continue with your routine until you are sure your piercing is fully healed. Conclusion Good aftercare is the key to a healthy, beautiful piercing. Follow the tips in this blog and always listen to your piercer's advice. This way you can proudly show off your new piercing without any hassle or discomfort!